Bombers came over head as air raid sirens went off. The air raid sirens reminded Albert of that battle at night with Kurt and his memorable death.
"We have to go you two."
Charlotte was starting to get ready to leave with the three men but Wilhelm put his hand on her shoulder and stopped her from coming out of the cellar.
"I'm sorry, but you have to stay here." said Wilhelm.
Charlotte backed away and Albert saw her face change expression, there was a frown that started to form.
"But.....we have to go back to Germany, so we can be safe from this," she said.
"Charlotte, it will have to be a different day. I came here to fight a war for this country and I will not run away from it."
"But Albert?"
"I'm sorry."Â Albert said firmly.
"Charlotte, the time has come for us to part. I knew this day would come because of the war. It makes me sad to know you won't be close, but for your safety Ernst and I must leave you here."Â Albert said as his eyes began to water with tears.
Charlotte stood there in shock. She ran back down the stairs and hid in the other room and dropped her basket, the food and other items tumbled out. The three men heard her crying when they started to leave the cellar. Albert ignored it as much as possible when he closed the doors and walked away.
Charlotte couldn't stand the thought of Albert leaving without her truly saying goodbye. She ran out of the cellar screaming Albert's name. He stopped in the street. She ran to him and hugged him as hard as she could for a long time. She let go, and said, "I will always love you Albert, and think of all of you everyday. I'll pray you stay safe. I'll never forget our time together."
She let Albert go and return to the war. She watched them walk down the road and blend into the forest, never to meet again.
The three men walked toward where they heard the action that was to the south. Wilhelm pulled out a German Luger P08 pistol and loaded the bullets into the bottom of it. They walked about a half a mile to get to the battle they were going to. The German Army in Russia was being pushed back into Romania. They were retreating to the Russian city of Belgorod which was a couple of miles from Russia to Romania.